Dharamshala has a way of turning small beginnings into big statements, and Madhav Tiwari’s second IPL outing felt like exactly that. The 22-year-old didn’t just contribute in Delhi Capitals’ chase-driven triumph over Punjab Kings on Monday—he shaped the match with a spell that swung momentum his way, then sealed the night with the bat when the pressure rose. For a player who once found bowling “tiring” as a schoolboy in Indore, the performance was a reminder that hard work can change how you see the game.
From schoolboy batting dreams to IPL spotlight
Tiwari’s cricket story starts far from the IPL limelight. Growing up in Indore, he was introduced to leather-ball cricket after switching schools, and he admits that batting was the only part of the sport that truly captured his imagination at first. Bowling, in his own words, felt like work.
- He began playing leather-ball cricket after changing schools in Indore and quickly found batting more enjoyable than bowling.
- As a 13-year-old, he described bowling as demanding because it requires constant use of the body.
- He said batting felt easier for him and that it was something he could do for as long as he wanted.
How Tiwari flipped the game with the ball
At the HPCA Stadium, however, Tiwari made bowling look like an advantage rather than a burden. With the surface offering meaningful seam movement, he attacked with the courage of a more seasoned campaigner—bowling with pace and purpose on hard lengths, then pressing the attack at key moments.
His breakthrough arrived when he removed Priyansh Arya, a dangerous batter who had threatened to push Delhi Capitals out of the contest. Shortly after, Tiwari struck again, dismissing Cooper Connolly using a slower bouncer that fooled the batter’s timing.
- He bowled at roughly 137–140 kph, repeatedly targeting hard lengths.
- He took the wicket of Priyansh Arya at a crucial stage.
- He dismissed Cooper Connolly with a disguised slower bouncer.
- His figures ended at 2/40.
Explaining his approach, Tiwari said the wicket suited the hard-length ball. He described how he stuck to that plan early, then looked to vary his deliveries by introducing wide yorkers and short balls as the spell progressed.
Finishing the chase: the unbeaten 18 that mattered
The match, though, wasn’t fully decided after Tiwari’s two wickets. Delhi still needed composure during a tense chase of 211, and he provided exactly that when the game was in the balance. Coming in at a critical time, the allrounder struck quickly—remaining unbeaten on 18 off just eight balls. His cameo included two fours and a six, helping Delhi reach what became the highest successful T20 chase in Dharamshala.
Alongside him was Ashutosh Sharma, someone Tiwari said he already shared familiarity with from the Madhya Pradesh circuit. Tiwari pointed to clarity in roles and comfort between batters, adding that both of them understood what the situation demanded.
- Delhi chased a target of 211 with Tiwari contributing an unbeaten 18 off eight balls.
- His innings included two boundaries and a six.
- The chase ended up as the highest successful T20 run chase in Dharamshala.
- Tiwari said the batting plan was clear to both him and Ashutosh Sharma.
- He credited familiarity from playing together in the Madhya Pradesh setup and noted they also practised together before the IPL.
Roots in Indore, training influences, and the IPL journey
Tiwari’s background connects him to Indore, while his family roots are in Rewa. His father runs a transportation business, and Tiwari said support and facilities were never a problem while he was growing up. Yet he identifies one mentor as the biggest influence on his development.
That figure is former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya. Training at the Amay Khurasiya Cricket Academy, Tiwari said he was consistently pushed toward becoming a true allrounder, even though he personally leaned toward batting. He explained that Khurasiya’s experience helped him understand the value of the right combination—particularly in Indian conditions, where a pace-bowling allrounder can add a huge dimension.
- Tiwari is from Indore, with family roots in Rewa.
- His father runs a transportation business and, as Tiwari said, ensured he had support and facilities growing up.
- His biggest influence was former India cricketer Amay Khurasiya.
- At the Amay Khurasiya Cricket Academy, he was encouraged to train as a genuine allrounder.
- He said Khurasiya helped him understand the benefits of being a proper, pace-bowling allrounder in India.
Years later, Tiwari now describes himself with confidence: “100 percent bowler and 100 percent batsman.”
Staying in the spotlight without senior domestic cricket
One detail that makes his rise even more striking is that, despite not playing senior domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh even until now, Tiwari still attracted IPL attention. He did it through standout performances in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League, representing Bhopal Leopards.
Delhi Capitals noticed his raw attributes—sharp pace, natural seam movement, and clean striking skills—and secured him for Rs 40 lakh ahead of IPL-2025. The Punjab Kings match, in many ways, served as a confirmation of what the franchise saw in him.
- He did not play senior domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh even till date.
- His IPL interest began through performances in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League with Bhopal Leopards.
- Delhi Capitals picked him up for Rs 40 lakh ahead of IPL-2025.
- Tiwari’s performance against Punjab Kings acted as validation for his selection.
Settling in at Delhi Capitals and dreaming of India
Speaking after the win, Tiwari also reflected on his comfort level inside the setup. It was his second year in the IPL, and he said he has started adjusting to the environment. He praised the management and senior players for being extremely supportive and suggested that he can approach them anytime with questions.
He said that now that he is used to the atmosphere, his focus is on managing nerves—reminding himself that cricket is ultimately a game of bat and ball and that the best route is staying with the basics.
- Tiwari said it is his second year in the IPL and he feels he has grown accustomed to the environment.
- He described the management and senior players as highly supportive.
- He said he can approach seniors anytime to ask questions.
- He added that with experience, he now needs to control his nerves and stay focused on fundamentals.
Like many young Indian players finding their rhythm at the franchise level, Tiwari’s ambitions extend beyond the league. He said his dream is to represent India one day and that his goal is to become the best. He also acknowledged there is still plenty of work left—especially in sharpening his game—and hopes to keep learning and improving as the journey continues.
- His ambition is to play for India.
- He said his goal is to become the best.
- He believes he still needs more sharpness in his game.
- He hopes to learn more in the environment and do well in the future.
